Remote control system for a trailer

ABSTRACT

A self-contained trailer braking system comprises a fifth wheel hitch attached to a trailer frame, where the trailer hitch further comprises a kingpin to engage a fifth wheel of a towing vehicle. A sliding mechanism is attached to the kingpin, where the sliding mechanism is slidingly captured within the trailer frame and can move between a forward position and a rear position. A spring is attached to the sliding mechanism and the trailer frame, where the spring biases the sliding member to the forward position. A brake actuator is mounted to the trailer frame and linked to the sliding mechanism. A brake assembly is attached to the brake actuator, and a power supply is attached to the brake assembly, where power is applied to the brake assembly when the sliding mechanism is away from the forward position.

PRIORITY

Based on Restriction/Election Practice, this application claims benefitof priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/775,653, filed Feb.10, 2004, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60/446,502, filed Feb. 11, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to trailer brake and remotecontrol systems for automotive use, and more specifically to aindependent brake operating system and remote trailer operating systemfor automotive trailers.

2. Description of Related Art

Automotive trailers are a common part of our lives. We tow trailersbehind virtually every type of vehicle known. We use trailers to carry awide variety of items and we expect trailers to perform a wide varietyof tasks. For the very heaviest of trailers, we rely on the fifth-wheeland pintle hitches. Two very common types of automotive trailers thatuse the fifth wheel and pintle hitches are heavy equipment trailers usedon construction sites, and recreational vehicle trailers.

One type of heavy equipment trailer is a water trailer, also known as awater wagon. A water wagon is used frequently on construction sites. Thewater trailer is used to distribute water over a work site for suchtasks as dust control, soil compaction, street cleaning, irrigation,fire prevention or control, and chemical delivery. In its basic form thewater trailer is a large water tank mounted to a trailer frame. Thewater trailer is attached to a semi tractor to be pulled to or throughthe area where water is needed. A semi tractor is needed to supplypneumatic power for the water trailer's brakes. If no semi tractor isavailable, the water trailer cannot operate safely. This places a demandon an equipment fleet to have a dedicated semi tractor and available tooperate the water trailer when it is needed. Additionally, a semitractor driver needs a special driver license. This is wasted on a jobsite. There is no reason to have an special person at the site just tooperate a water trailer.

When no water trailer is available, a water tank is sometimes placedinto the bed of a dump truck to serve the same purpose. However, witheither of these variations the water flow from the tank is controlled bypneumatics or by a cable. The driver must have compatible equipment inthe truck's cab to operate the trailer's water distribution system.Regardless of the type of truck and trailer operations, this arrangementis inefficient.

Thus, what is needed is a trailer that can be remotely operated whilethe driver or operator is safely in the truck's cab or another safelocation.

Some of the most specialized trailers and equipment are found in theconstruction industry. Often, these trailers are so large that thecommon American light duty pickup truck is incapable of towing them overthe road. These trailers often require the capacity of a semi tractor,or similar towing vehicle. As a result of the trailers' size and weight,special dedicated braking systems and equipment are required to controlthem over the road.

Operating heavy trailers over the road requires special brake equipmentdue to Federal and state laws. The heavy equipment and recreationalvehicle trailers can often be quite massive and require special, heavyduty coupling and braking systems to properly control the load. However,these legal restrictions may not apply to use of the trailers for offroad purposes.

Typical trailer brakes are operated via pneumatic, electric or hydraulicpower. In the standard arrangement, the power to operate the brakingsystems is supplied by the towing vehicle. The braking power, whetherpneumatic, electric or hydraulic, is routed to a coupling at the rear ofthe towing vehicle. When the trailer is attached, the mating couplingfrom the trailer is attached to the towing vehicle's coupling to operatethe trailer brakes and other systems. Such an arrangement requires thatthe towing vehicle be specially equipped to supply pneumatic, electricor hydraulic power as required by the trailer. As a result, both thetrailer and the towing vehicle must be specially outfitted withcompatible equipment. The added complexity can create a very expensivesituation, especially where a large fleet of towing vehicles ismaintained.

With respect to heavy trailers, one of the most common hitch mechanismsis the fifth wheel hitch. Fifth-wheel hitches are used for bothcommercial and recreational trucks and trailers. The trailer's hitch hasa kingpin that protrudes downward from a hitch plate on the front of thetrailer. This kingpin is inserted into the fifth wheel at the rear ofthe towing vehicle.

The towing vehicle's framework supports a fifth wheel hitch, which has alarge plate with a mechanism for accepting and locking onto the kingpinfrom a trailer. Typical fifth wheel hitch components are rigidly mountedto the towing vehicle and the trailer. Once coupled, only a few degreesof movement between the towing vehicle and the trailer is allowed. Inone variation of the fifth wheel hitch, the fifth wheel hitch frame ofthe towing vehicle is designed to rock side to side a few degrees topermit easier coupling where the towing vehicle and the trailer are onparticularly uneven surfaces. However, this feature is utilized duringcoupling or uncoupling operations only. With all these special systems,the trailer hitches, brake and power couplings are built into the towingvehicles to meet the stringent legal requirements for over the road use.As a result, the towing vehicles become very expensive to operate andmaintain. This places great demands on the trucks and reducescost-effectiveness.

Thus, what is needed is a self-contained trailer braking system thatrequires no special dedicated equipment on the towing vehicle except fora trailer hitch to properly connect the trailer to the towing vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The device is a self-contained brake and remote control system fortrailer operation. The system allows permits any truck with a trailerhitch to safely pull and stop a trailer without any coupling between thetrailer and the towing vehicle except for the trailer hitch. Inaddition, the system allows the trailer's functions to be operated andcontrolled from a remote, safe location, such as the cab of the towingvehicle. The system also allows the trailer to be operated safely on ahazardous or unsafe work site by virtually any truck, bulldozer, grader,loader or other equipment with a compatible hitch, regardless of whetherthe vehicle has a Department of Transportation approved braking system,without risk to the operator or driver. For example, the trailer couldbe used by military units to pull heavy equipment through combat areas.By default, more towing vehicles, including tanks or other armoredvehicles, are available. Other uses include off-road logging trailers oroff-road delivery trailers that can be more safely operated withoff-road towing vehicles. Additionally, these trailers could be used forfighting forest fires, pulled by proper off-road towing vehicles.

The trailer braking system includes a fifth-wheel trailer hitch, anenergy transfer mechanism, a brake actuator, and a power generator allattached to a trailer with brakes. The remote trailer operating systemincludes a remote control transmitter, a remote control receiver, andpower equipment mounted on the trailer and powered by the powergenerator for the braking system. Thus the trailer may function even ifno towing vehicle or other power source is available.

The energy transfer mechanism includes a special hitch plate with a slotoriented fore and aft down through which a kingpin protrudes to engagethe towing vehicle's fifth-wheel. The kingpin is fixed to a slidingplate immediately above and in contact with the hitch plate. A linkageis attached between the sliding plate and a brake actuator. The brakeactuator is supplied with energy from the generator to operate thetrailer's brakes. The brake actuator meters energy to the brakes inresponse to the position of the sliding plate.

In use, the hitch framework on the towing vehicle and the trailer aresubject to a tremendous amount of force and energy due to dynamictrailer loads. The self-contained trailer brake system uses these forcesto activate the trailer's braking system, eliminating the dependence onspecialized towing vehicles with pneumatic, hydraulic, electric orcable-operated systems. As a result, virtually any vehicle with anappropriate hitch, such as a fifth-wheel or pintle hitch, can be aproper towing vehicle. This increases the flexibility of the truck andequipment owners and increases cost-effectiveness. Trucks having fifthwheels come in a variety of sizes. The trailer is produced in differentsizes and scaled to be appropriate for towing vehicles from pickuptrucks to the largest construction equipment.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to teach atrailer braking system that is completely self-contained.

It is another object of the invention to provide a trailer brakingsystem that works with virtually any truck, bulldozer or other heavyequipment.

It is a further object of the invention to teach a trailer controlsystem that may be operated from the cab of a truck, without anypermanently installed equipment.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a wirelesslyoperated trailer control system.

It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements andarrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which isinexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing itsintended purposes.

These and other objects of the present invention will become readilyapparent upon further review of the following specification anddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a trailer equipped with a self-containedbrake and remote control system, according to the present invention.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are elevational views of the forward deck of a trailerequipped with a self-contained brake and remote control system,according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view of the underside of the forward deck of a trailerequipped with a self-contained brake and remote control system,according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the rear of a trailer equipped with aself-contained brake and remote control system, according to the presentinvention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistentlythroughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is a self-contained brake and remote controlsystem. The trailer braking system includes a fifth-wheel trailer hitch,an energy transfer mechanism, a brake actuator, and a power generatorall attached to a trailer with brakes. The remote trailer operatingsystem includes a remote control transmitter, a remote control receiver,and a variety of power equipment mounted on the trailer and powered bythe power generator.

The energy transfer mechanism includes a special hitch plate with a slotoriented fore and aft down through which a kingpin protrudes to engagethe towing vehicle's fifth-wheel. The kingpin is fixed to a slidingplate immediately above and in contact with the hitch plate. A linkageis attached between the sliding plate and a brake actuator. The brakeactuator is supplied with energy from the generator to operate thetrailer's brakes. The brake actuator meters energy to the brakes inresponse to the position of the sliding plate. The trailer's brakes maybe pneumatic, electric or hydraulically powered.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a trailer equipped with a self-containedbrake and remote control system, according to the present invention. Thetrailer 10 resembles a standard trailer in many ways. A high-strengthframe 12 runs the whole length of the trailer 10 and supports the load,in this case a water tank. 14. A heavy-duty axle at the rear of thetrailer 10 supports the tremendous weight of the fully loaded trailerand brakes incorporated into the axle. Two or more axles may be used,and flotation tires as well, to deal with a very heavy trailer or tominimize the impact on the ground surface. A stand is attached near thefront of the trailer 10 to keep the trailer level when it is notattached to a towing vehicle. The stand can be raised and lowered via acrank mechanism visible just below the frame 12 ahead of the water tank14. A forward deck 16 area includes a fifth-wheel hitch 18 (see FIG. 4)as well as standard couplings and controls for pneumatic, electric orhydraulic power (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Other aspects of the trailer 10 arequite unique.

The trailer frame 12 is incorporated into and through the tank 14,providing exceptional support to the tank 14 and protection for theframe 12. The water tank 14 is used to supply water for a multitude ofpurposes. In this embodiment, virtually all of the plumbing, powerconduits and control cables for the trailer 10 is routing through thetank 14, protecting it from damage. A plurality of water couplings 20are attached in various places around the tank 14 to permit the user toutilize the trailer 10 in the optimum manner. Each coupling 20 mayinclude a power conduit 22 and a control cable 24 to permit theselective use of the any coupling 20 on the trailer 10. A number ofpower accessories may be attached to the couplings 20, such as ahigh-pressure water nozzle 26. The couplings 20 are an industry standardsize and will accept any number of common power accessories such aswater cannons and other spray heads. The power conduit 22 is routedthrough the tank 14 to a power generator (see FIG. 5) in an engine bay28 at the rear of the trailer 10.

A fill port 30 is located atop the tank 14 and permits quick and easyfilling of the tank 14 from a number of sources, including hydrants,water towers, ground water, ponds and virtually any other water source.

The trailer 10 is shown coupled to a bulldozer and a towing dolly 32,but virtually any towing vehicle capable of supporting the weight of thetrailer could be used, including rubber-tire loaders, earth movers, semitractors and many other vehicles. In this embodiment, the bulldozer doesnot have a fifth wheel, but does have a pintle hitch instead. A towingdolly 32 is used to attach the trailer to the towing vehicle. The towingdolly 32 has a fifth-wheel which couples directly to the fifth-wheelhitch 18 on the trailer 10. In another embodiment, the towing vehiclehas a fifth wheel, such as a semi tractor. The typical dolly has anaxle, or tandem axles, with one or more wheels at each end, similar tothe axle on the trailer 10. It has a ring or other compatible mechanismfor coupling with the towing vehicle's pintle. Atop the axle is a fifthwheel, similar to that found on the semi tractor. Virtually every pieceof heavy equipment found on construction sites has a pintle hitch. Inthis manner, the trailer 10 may be towed and operated on a job site evenif no semi tractor is available. This greatly improves the flexibilityof a work crew and manager of a job site who can choose an availabletowing vehicle from a large number of available pieces of equipment.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are elevational views of the forward deck of a trailerequipped with a self-contained brake and remote control system,according to the present invention. FIGS. 2 and 3 are downward views,looking forward from the top of the tank 14 onto the forward deck 16.FIG. 2 shows the operating mechanism for the self-contained brake systemin the pulling or coasting position. FIG. 3 shows the operatingmechanism for the self-contained brake system in the braking position.

The forward deck 16 is covered with plates, which are hinged to permitaccess to the self-contained brake system and other compartments. Thedeck 16 is shown with a pair of gladhands 40 and an electrical connector42 for optional pneumatic and electric power from a towing vehicle. Alsoshown is a pneumatic isolator valve 44 that permits the user or operatorto choose the source of power to operate the trailer's brakes, i.e., thetowing vehicle or the power source on the trailer 10. In one position,the isolator 44 permits energy from the towing vehicle to operate thetrailer's brakes. In another position, the isolator 44 permits energyfrom the power generator 70 (see FIG. 5) to operate the trailer'sbrakes. When using braking energy from the towing vehicle, the trailer'sbrakes function as standard Department of Transportation (DOT) requiredbrakes. When delivery of the trailer to and from the job site is on theroad, the trailer must use the DOT-approved brake system. However, thesemi tractor is unnecessary at the off-road job site for the duration ofthe work at the job site.

The operating system for the self-contained brake system is situatedwithin the frame 12 beneath the forward deck 16. A sliding plate 46 isthe source of braking input to the self-contained brake system. Thesliding plate 46 is capable of limited, generally horizontal movementbetween a forward stop 50 and a rear stop 52 and slides upon a floorplate 64. The contacting surfaces of the sliding plate 46 and the floorplate 64 may be coated with an anti-friction substance, such as Teflon®.In FIG. 2 the floor plate 64 is visible between the rear stop 52 and thesliding plate 46. In FIG. 3 the floor plate 64 is visible between theforward stop 50 and the sliding plate 46. A pair of springs 48 bearagainst the sliding plate 46 and apply force against sliding plate 46toward the forward stop 50. In one embodiment, the springs 48 are coilsprings. In other embodiments the springs 48 could be a torsion bar,leaf spring, or an air spring or airbag. Notice in FIG. 3 the springs 48are compressed. The springs 48 are held in position by a set of keepers54. A set of dampers 56 moderates the action of the springs 48 in movingthe sliding plate 46 against the forward stop 50. A linkage 58 connectsthe sliding plate 46 to a brake actuator 60. In one embodiment, thebrake actuator 60 is supplied with pneumatic energy via an air hose 62.In another embodiment, the brake actuator 60 is supplied with electricpower via a power cable. The particular embodiment used depends upon thetype of energy required by the trailer's brakes. In FIG. 3 the linkage58 is fully extended and the springs 48 are compressed, thus maximumbraking energy is conducted through the actuator 60.

The self-contained brake system may be disabled with a brake lockmechanism 63. The brake lock 63 mechanically locks the sliding plate 46to the frame 12, thus preventing any movement of the sliding plate 46and subsequent trailer brake actuation. This is important where thetrailer 10 is backing up an incline, and the trailer's own weight wouldactuate its brakes against the efforts of the towing vehicle. The brakelock 63 is also used where a standard DOT brake system is required.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the underside of the forward deck of atrailer equipped with a self-contained brake and remote control system,according to the present invention. The under side of the floor plate 64has an aperture 68 through which the kingpin 66 protrudes. The kingpin46 is fixed to the bottom of the sliding plate 46 which is visiblethrough the aperture 68. The aperture 68 is elongated along thelongitudinal axis of the trailer 10. This permits the sliding plate 46and the kingpin 66 to move forward and aft in response to dissimilartrailer and towing vehicle speeds. The total amount of movement of thekingpin 66 permitted by the aperture 68 matches the amount of availablemovement of the sliding plate 46 between the forward stop 50 and therear stop 52. This arrangement limits the amount of stress experiencedby the kingpin 66.

Returning to FIGS. 2 and 3, the brake actuator 60 acts as a valve tosupply variable amounts of energy to the trailer's brakes depending uponthe position of the sliding plate 46. When the sliding plate 46 isagainst the forward stop 50, the actuator 60 supplies no energy to thetrailer's brakes. The sliding plate 46 will be in this position when thetrailer 10 is being pulled forward by the towing vehicle. When thesliding plate 46 is against the rear stop 52, the actuator 60 suppliesmaximum energy to the trailer's brakes. The sliding plate 46 will be inthis position when the towing vehicle is decelerating. Braking energybetween these two extremes is supplied proportionally when the towingvehicle is braking at a rate which causes the sliding plate 46 to slideonly part way between the forward stop 50 and the rear stop 52.

In use, the trailer 10 is attached to a towing vehicle. As the towingvehicle accelerates or coasts, the sliding plate 46 is against theforward stop 50 due to the pulling force of the towing vehicle upon thekingpin 66 and the sliding plate 46, or due to the action of the springs48. When the towing vehicle decelerates, the inertia of the trailer 10causes it to catch up to the towing vehicle and moving the sliding plate46 and compressing the springs 48. As the sliding plate 46 moves, thelinkage 58 operates the brake actuator 60 to supply braking energy tothe trailer's brakes. The dampers 56 prevent excessive braking inputsparticularly on uneven ground, where numerous undulations in theground's surface would cause frequent acceleration and decelerationcycles.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the rear of a trailer equipped with aself-contained brake and remote control system, according to the presentinvention. The engine bay 28 houses a power generator 70. The powergenerator 70 supplies all of the pneumatic, electric or hydraulic powernecessary to operate the trailer's brakes and all other functions. Inthe preferred embodiment, the power generator 70 is an internalcombustion engine, but it could also be a reservoir of compressed airwith batteries. The power generator includes an electric generator (notshown) and may also include an air pump 72 or hydraulic pump, dependingupon the power requirements of the trailer 10, including the brakes. Inthe preferred embodiment, the power generator 70 is attached to an airpump 72 and a water pump 76. The air pump 72 supplies all of thepneumatic energy required, and the electric generator meets all theelectric requirements. Virtually all of the electrical cables andpneumatic lines are routed through the tank 14 and frame 12 for maximumprotection and cooling.

The water pump 76 has multiple uses. It permits the trailer 10 to fillitself with water from virtually any available water supply, includingground water. In addition, it supplies water pressure to the plumbingsystem of the trailer 10 for water delivery through the water couplings20 or other water valves 74. The power generator 70 includes controlsfor manually starting and operating it, as well as a remote start andcontrol capability through the remote operating system. A hydrant fillpipe 75 permits the tank 12 to be filled from any hydrant. This processdoes not require pumping due to the pressurized nature of hydrants. Ifthe water supply is not pressurized, such as a ground water supply, thena self-load fill pipe (not shown) can be used. In this embodiment, theself-load fill pipe is located below the hydrant fill pipe 75. Theself-load fill pipe is connected to the water pump on the powergenerator 70, and permits the trailer 10 to fill the tank 12 under itsown power. A hose bib 77 or other hose coupling is provided for hoseattachment.

The wireless remote operating system includes a remote controltransmitter (not shown), a remote control receiver 78 and a powerdistribution unit 80 connected to the remote control receiver 78. Theremote control transmitter may be kept with the operator in the cab ofthe towing vehicle. The power distribution unit 80 distributeselectrical power to operate various functions of the trailer 10 ascommanded by the remote control transmitter through the remote controlreceiver 78. The electrical power from the power distribution unit mayin turn direct the operation of pneumatic- or hydraulic-powered featuresof the trailer 10, depending upon the construction of the trailer 10.For example, the electric power at the power distribution unit maytrigger air valves within a pneumatic power system, or it may triggerhydraulic valves within a hydraulic system. Alternatively, the variousfunctions of the trailer may all be electrically actuated and operated.There is no practical limit to the type and number of functions thatcould be actuated and operated in this manner.

Common powered functions include starting, stopping and adjusting thepower output of the power generator 70, pumping water through theplumbing system to fill or empty the tank 14, and activation of a nozzle26 or other equipment attached to a water coupling 20.

The wireless remote control transmitter provides control for everyfunction of the trailer 10, including an emergency stop button, agenerator start button, and accessory buttons to activate or deactivatethe other powered functions of the trailer 10, and many other functions.Each function of the trailer 10 is operable separately from the othersvia the remote control transmitter. A battery 88 and a fuel tank (notshown) provide independent trailer 10 operation for extended periods. Acontrol panel may provide a keyed starter 82 and choke control 84 forthe power generator 70 as well as a set of gauges may be provided tomonitor electric power, such as a voltmeter an ammeter 86, or otheroperating parameters.

In one embodiment, the trailer 10 includes all equipment required byFederal and state law for use on the road. The system permits thetrailer 10 to be used by a wide variety of towing vehicles, even thosethat do not have proper over the road braking systems. A towing vehicleneeds only a compatible hitch to properly attach and operate theself-contained trailer system. This trailer system greatly increases theflexibility of a fleet of trucks at an off road site. Numerousvariations on this system are possible, including a trailer 10 with acompletely conventional hitch frame, but where the towing vehicle'shitch is intended to slide or shift under a braking load to providebraking energy.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to thesole embodiments described above, but encompasses any and allembodiments within the scope of the following claims.

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 15. A remoteoperating system for a trailer comprising: a power supply attached tothe trailer; a power equipment attached to the power supply and thetrailer; a power distribution system attached to the power supply andthe power equipment; a remote control receiver attached to the powerequipment and the power distribution system; and a remote controltransmitter in wireless communication with the remote control receiver.16. The remote operating system of claim 15, wherein the power supply isa internal combustion engine.
 17. The remote operating system of claim15, wherein the power supply provides pneumatic power.
 18. The remoteoperating system of claim 15, wherein the power supply provides electricpower.
 19. The remote operating system of claim 15, wherein the powerequipment is a water distribution system.
 20. The remote operatingsystem of claim 19, wherein the water distribution system comprises aplurality of valves, a plurality of water spray heads, and a water pump.21. The remote operating system of claim 20, wherein the plurality ofvalves and water spray heads are individually controllable with theremote control transmitter.
 22. A remote operating system for a trailercomprising: An internal combustion engine power supply, having a pumpfor creating pneumatic power and a generator for creating electricpower; a power distribution system attached to the trailer and the powersupply; a remote control receiver attached to the power supply; a remotecontrol transmitter in wireless communication with the remote controlreceiver; and a power equipment connected to the power supply and thepower distribution system.
 23. The remote operating system of claim 22,wherein the power equipment is a water distribution system.
 24. Theremote operating system of claim 22, wherein the water distributionsystem comprises a plurality of valves, a plurality of water sprayheads, and a water pump.
 25. The remote operating system of claim 24,wherein the plurality of valves and water spray heads are individuallycontrollable with the remote control transmitter.